Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

c10ss69 · 06-27-2007, 10:56 AM

New to the board. I need some help. Have any of you put a later model front end under a 67-72 truck. I bought my daughter, who'll be 16 in Dec, a 67 SWB w/drums and I want disc brakes up front. A friend of mine donated his '78 chevy so I could swap the entire front craddle into the 67. Don't know if it'll work. I know I can go to the junk yard and get parts from a 71 or 72 but these parts are free and they are working. Thanks in advance.........

babyJay · 06-27-2007, 11:04 AM

Anything is possible with modifications, but the frames are different widths.

c10ss69 · 06-27-2007, 11:20 AM

I have to many other project to fab this thing in. I have until dec to swap the 3 speed to automoatic, build a motor, body, paint color change, carpet, new bumpers, disc brakes and swap the rear to 5 lug and I cant start it till Aug. Thanks for the info................

jorgensensc · 06-27-2007, 11:21 AM

This is actually a very common swap. I have one on my '68 that the p.o. did. If I recall correctly there are 4 bolts, two of which have to be redrilled. Very easy swap. However I would suggest for simplicity sakes (if you ever decide to lower the truck) that you get the 1 1/4" rotor setup so that you can buy drop spindles. I haven't found any yet that are made for the smaller 1" rotors. Use the search function and check the FAQ section and I'm positive you will find the directions. Hope this helps!
Shawn

SCOTI · 06-27-2007, 12:31 PM

You can swap the entire crossmember in place by re-drilling a few holes or just use the newer a-arms, steering linkage, & brake parts w/the original crossmember.

dave2953 · 06-27-2007, 12:42 PM

with Scoti. I left the crossmember out when I did my swap and used the upper/lower a-arms and steering component, etc. It's a pretty straightforward swap. Keep us updated on your progress and post some pics of your truck if yo can. oh yeah,

to the board!

redrum · 06-27-2007, 07:14 PM

Not to steal the thread but..

Does that work with the 3/4 ton as well?

**LockDoc** · 06-27-2007, 07:21 PM

-
It's a bolt in deal by redrilling one hole and enlarging another. I have done two of them.... Be sure and use the stiffeners that are inside of the later frame.

here is a pic of the holes that need modified.

LockDoc

PanelDeland · 06-27-2007, 08:54 PM

I agree with searching the FAQ's on this one.It will work just read all the info so you are armed with KNOWLEDGE!!!The later front end parts(Ball joints,etc.) are also cheaper.

krue · 06-27-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redrum

Not to steal the thread but..

Does that work with the 3/4 ton as well?

It should.

krue · 06-27-2007, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyJay

Anything is possible with modifications, but the frames are different widths.

Negatory ghostrider, they're the same width.

68chevy68 · 06-27-2007, 10:30 PM

I put an 84 front end under my 61 and only had to drill a few holes as stated above.

mvfd70 · 06-27-2007, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

You can swap the entire crossmember in place by re-drilling a few holes or just use the newer a-arms, steering linkage, & brake parts w/the original crossmember.

You don't even HAVE to use the newer A-arms. Just make sure the ball joints are the proper ones for the spindle. I'm just putting 72 spindles in my 68 with 72 ball joints.

dave2953 · 06-27-2007, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvfd70

I'm just putting 72 spindles in my 68 with 72 ball joints.

Are you using outer tie rods from the 72 and adapters for your factory inners? I don't think your factory outers will work with 72 spindles.

SCOTI · 06-28-2007, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvfd70

You don't even HAVE to use the newer A-arms. Just make sure the ball joints are the proper ones for the spindle. I'm just putting 72 spindles in my 68 with 72 ball joints.

True. The only reason I included them is they have bushings like a car so they offer a 'better' ride vs. the original pre-73 rubber-lined steel shell.

junkman · 06-28-2007, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorgensensc

This is actually a very common swap. I have one on my '68 that the p.o. did. If I recall correctly there are 4 bolts, two of which have to be redrilled. Very easy swap. However I would suggest for simplicity sakes (if you ever decide to lower the truck) that you get the 1 1/4" rotor setup so that you can buy drop spindles. I haven't found any yet that are made for the smaller 1" rotors. Use the search function and check the FAQ section and I'm positive you will find the directions. Hope this helps!
Shawn

how would one know short of pulling off a wheel and measuring, what rotors it had, I have been thinking about buying an 87 chevy to donate all the front end parts to mine. The truck is about an hour away, and hate to waste a trip if is the wrong thing.

dave2953 · 06-28-2007, 01:04 AM

I think there may be a code in the glovebox. Maybe someone could look for you and see which one it is. JB3 is 1" and JB5 is 1.25. I'm pretty sure this is right; someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

babyJay · 06-28-2007, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krue

Negatory ghostrider, they're the same width.

Ah Ha, they're different widths at the cab mounts and not the front suspension? I see. Thanks

rlm316 · 06-28-2007, 08:15 AM

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redrum, yes it works fine. Same as 1/2t. This is a pic of my '70 frame with a '91 crossmember and steering. All parts 3/4t

c10ss69 · 07-02-2007, 07:43 AM

Thanks for all the info. I'll post pics of the build when I get it started.

c10ss69 · 07-09-2007, 09:24 AM

Here's the 67 I bought for my daughters 16th that I'll be starting on next month. This will be a 4 month build to be ready for her birthday in December. I'll post pics as I go......

krue · 07-09-2007, 09:40 AM

Looks like a solid start. What're the plans?

c10ss69 · 07-09-2007, 01:51 PM

The plan for now is changing it to 5-lugs w/disc brakes, 3-speed to an auto, has to have a new motor, new bumpers, grill inserts, new light bezels, relocation of the gas tank, vintage air and new paint inside and out. She wants it electric blue pearl so I'll probably paint the inside a soft silver.

06-27-2007, 10:56 AM	#1
c10ss69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hayden Alabama Posts: 159	Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? New to the board. I need some help. Have any of you put a later model front end under a 67-72 truck. I bought my daughter, who'll be 16 in Dec, a 67 SWB w/drums and I want disc brakes up front. A friend of mine donated his '78 chevy so I could swap the entire front craddle into the 67. Don't know if it'll work. I know I can go to the junk yard and get parts from a 71 or 72 but these parts are free and they are working. Thanks in advance.........

06-27-2007, 11:04 AM	#2
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? Anything is possible with modifications, but the frames are different widths. __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

06-27-2007, 11:20 AM	#3
c10ss69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hayden Alabama Posts: 159	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? I have to many other project to fab this thing in. I have until dec to swap the 3 speed to automoatic, build a motor, body, paint color change, carpet, new bumpers, disc brakes and swap the rear to 5 lug and I cant start it till Aug. Thanks for the info................

06-27-2007, 11:21 AM	#4
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? This is actually a very common swap. I have one on my '68 that the p.o. did. If I recall correctly there are 4 bolts, two of which have to be redrilled. Very easy swap. However I would suggest for simplicity sakes (if you ever decide to lower the truck) that you get the 1 1/4" rotor setup so that you can buy drop spindles. I haven't found any yet that are made for the smaller 1" rotors. Use the search function and check the FAQ section and I'm positive you will find the directions. Hope this helps! Shawn __________________ 1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

06-27-2007, 12:31 PM	#5
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? You can swap the entire crossmember in place by re-drilling a few holes or just use the newer a-arms, steering linkage, & brake parts w/the original crossmember. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

06-27-2007, 12:42 PM	#6
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? with Scoti. I left the crossmember out when I did my swap and used the upper/lower a-arms and steering component, etc. It's a pretty straightforward swap. Keep us updated on your progress and post some pics of your truck if yo can. oh yeah, to the board! __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250

06-27-2007, 07:14 PM	#7
redrum Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: colorado Posts: 12	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? Not to steal the thread but.. Does that work with the 3/4 ton as well?

06-27-2007, 07:21 PM	#8
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,772	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? - It's a bolt in deal by redrilling one hole and enlarging another. I have done two of them.... Be sure and use the stiffeners that are inside of the later frame. here is a pic of the holes that need modified. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

06-27-2007, 08:54 PM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? I agree with searching the FAQ's on this one.It will work just read all the info so you are armed with KNOWLEDGE!!!The later front end parts(Ball joints,etc.) are also cheaper. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

06-27-2007, 10:30 PM	#12
68chevy68 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: arkansas Posts: 524	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? I put an 84 front end under my 61 and only had to drill a few holes as stated above. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=245203

06-28-2007, 01:04 AM	#17
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? I think there may be a code in the glovebox. Maybe someone could look for you and see which one it is. JB3 is 1" and JB5 is 1.25. I'm pretty sure this is right; someone please correct me if I'm wrong. __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250

06-28-2007, 08:15 AM	#19
rlm316 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Woodstown, NJ Posts: 669	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? redrum, yes it works fine. Same as 1/2t. This is a pic of my '70 frame with a '91 crossmember and steering. All parts 3/4t

07-02-2007, 07:43 AM	#20
c10ss69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hayden Alabama Posts: 159	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? Thanks for all the info. I'll post pics of the build when I get it started.

07-09-2007, 09:24 AM	#21
c10ss69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hayden Alabama Posts: 159	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? Here's the 67 I bought for my daughters 16th that I'll be starting on next month. This will be a 4 month build to be ready for her birthday in December. I'll post pics as I go...... Attached Images

07-09-2007, 09:40 AM	#22
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? Looks like a solid start. What're the plans? __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"



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07-09-2007, 01:51 PM	#23
c10ss69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hayden Alabama Posts: 159	Re: Help! 78 Chevy Front End under a 67? The plan for now is changing it to 5-lugs w/disc brakes, 3-speed to an auto, has to have a new motor, new bumpers, grill inserts, new light bezels, relocation of the gas tank, vintage air and new paint inside and out. She wants it electric blue pearl so I'll probably paint the inside a soft silver.

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